Attractions, Hikes and Activities in the Nelson Lakes National Park
Among the glacier-carved valleys formed during the Ice Age, 16 picture-perfect lakes give the name of the Nelson Lakes National Park.
While those like Lake Rotoiti are an easy pitstop, determined hikers will not be disappointed by one of the multi-day excursions to the world’s clearest lake, Blue Lake. The mountains, lakes and forests also offer opportunities for kayaking, mountain biking and skiing.
Discover all of the above and more in this list of the best things to do in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
The closest towns to the Nelson Lakes National Park are St Arnaud and Murchison.
Table of Contents
1. Get That Obligatory Photo of the Lake Rotoiti Jetty
If you only have time to do one quick thing in the Nelson Lakes National Park, then make it a stop at the Lake Rotoiti jetty. This iconic wooden structure stretches into the crystal-clear waters of the lake, offering stunning vistas framed by forested mountains that rise dramatically in the distance.
The jetty is particularly photogenic at sunrise when calm conditions often create perfect mirror reflections, and in winter when snow-capped peaks provide a spectacular backdrop.
If the main jetty is too crowded, try the jetty that is a short walk to the left when facing the lake.
Beyond snapping photos, Kerr Bay is also ideal for swimming, picnicking and starting easy lakeside walks.
Location: Kerr Bay, accessed either from Lake Road or Kerr Bay Road, St Arnaud.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Enjoy a Walk Around Lake Rotoiti
Another one of the best things to do in the Nelson Lakes National Park is to stick around awhile at Lake Rotoiti for one of the picturesque walks around the lake.
From the Lake Rotoiti jetty, there’s the 15-minute Bellbird Walk to the 1-hour return Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk.
For something a little more worthwhile, do the 1 hr 30 mins return Black Hill Walk from West Bay or make a day of it by doing the Mt Robert Circuit.
Location: Walks from the Lake Rotoiti jetty start from Kerr Bay, accessed either from Lake Road or Kerr Bay Road. Other walks mentioned begin along Mount Robert Road, approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) from St Arnaud.
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency3. Visit the Nelson Lakes’ Less-Visited Lake, Lake Rotoroa
Similar in aesthetics but much more serene, Lake Rotoroa is the lake to visit when looking to get off the beaten track. Surrounded by native forest and mountain ranges, this quieter alternative to Lake Rotoiti offers a true wilderness experience for those seeking solitude.
The lake has its own jetty with a picnic table, a display of an archaeological Māori canoe, a campground and few short walks ranging from 25 minutes to three hours.
Longer tramping routes provide access to the remote Sabine and D’Urville Valleys for more adventurous hikers.
Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the restored historic launch that occasionally operates on the lake’s peaceful waters.
Location: Gowan Valley Road, approximately 42 km (26 mi) from St Arnaud.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Ride the Mountain Bike Trails of Teetotal
If you’re travelling New Zealand with a mountain bike, then you need to stop at the Teetotal Recreation Area! This premier mountain biking destination on the eastern side of Lake Rotoiti features purpose-built singletrack winding through native beech forest, open clearings and regenerating bush.
You’ll find easy trails suitable for families through to more technical routes with flowing descents and challenging climbs, with the forest setting providing welcome shade during summer and regular glimpses of the surrounding mountains adding to the experience.
Location: Signposted off State Highway 63, approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) west of St Arnaud.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Go on an Adventure on a Canyoning Tour
Immerse yourself in the hidden depths of the Nelson Lakes National Park on an exciting canyoning tour.
Canyoning Aotearoa offers three epic locations to abseil, zipline, climb and scramble your way through dramatic canyons awash in waterfalls, moss-engulfed boulders and chasms.
Note that tours are available between the beginning of October to the end of April.
For more canyoning trips around the country, see the 10 Best Places for Canyoning in New Zealand.
Location: Tours depart from St Arnaud.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Hike or Take a Helicopter to the Blue Lake
Meaning “lake of peaceful waters” in te reo Māori, Lake Rotomairewhenua or more commonly “Blue Lake” holds the title of being the clearest lake in the world.
There are two ways to reach this backcountry gem, either by hiking or chartering a helicopter with Murchison Heli Tours or Helicopters Nelson.
The hiking option can be done either as a side trip on the four to seven-day Travers-Sabine Circuit or the eight to 10-day Lewis Pass – Waiau Pass – Blue Lake Route.
Location: Travers-Sabine Circuit – Kerr Bay, St Arnaud. Lewis Pass – Waiau Pass – Blue Lake Route – State Highway 7, approximately 104 km (65 mi) from Murchison. Murchison Heli Tours – Murchison. Helicopter Nelson, Nelson Airport.
© www.nelsontasman.nz7. Challenge Yourself to a Multi-Day Hike
In true New Zealand national park spirit, the Nelson Lakes National Park offers plenty of multi-day hikes to help you connect with nature.
While we’ve already touched on the seven-day Travers-Sabine Circuit and the eight to 10-day Lewis Pass – Waiau Pass – Blue Lake Route, a shorter but worthwhile trek in the Angelus Hut Track.
The track takes three to four days, leading hikers to a hut high in the mountains on the shores of Lake Angelus. The walk is best attempted from November to April.
Location: Angeles Hut via the Pinchgut Track – Mt Robert car park at the end of Mount Robert Road, approximately 7km (4.3 miles) from St Arnaud.
© www.nelsontasman.nz8. Discover Whisky Falls
Who doesn’t like a good waterfall? For your waterfall fix in Nelson Lakes National Park, take the Lakeside Track to the picturesque Whisky Falls.
This accessible walk is one of the area’s most scenic short tracks, winding through lush native beech forest filled with birdlife before reaching a small but beautiful waterfall cascading into a rocky pool.
The relatively easy track makes it perfect for families or anyone seeking a short nature experience near St Arnaud. The waterfall becomes particularly impressive after rainfall, when increased flow adds to the dramatic atmosphere.
Location: Along Mount Robert Road, approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) from St Arnaud.
© www.nelsontasman.nz9. Hit the Rainbow Ski Area
Head to the slopes of the St Arnaud Range in winter to ski at Rainbow Ski Area. This friendly club-style field offers a classic Kiwi ski experience with groomed runs, off-piste terrain and fantastic views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The uncrowded slopes and shorter lift queues make it ideal for families and intermediate skiers looking for a more relaxed day on the mountain.
Access is via T-bars and tows, with ski school and rentals available.
See more ski fields on the South Island in the Top 25 Ski Fields in New Zealand.
Location: Rainbow Road, approximately 34 km (21 mi) northwest of St Arnaud.
© www.nelsontasman.nz10. Go for a Paddle on the Lake
Finally, another one of the things to do in the Nelson Lakes National Park is kayaking or canoeing on Lake Rotoiti. Glide across the lake’s glassy waters in the early morning when conditions are typically at their calmest, perfect for exploring sheltered bays and capturing stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Venture around Kerr Bay and West Bay, or paddle further along the shoreline for uninterrupted alpine views.
Kayaks and Canadian canoes can be hired from Lake Rotoiti Water Taxis during the warmer months.
Location: Western car park on Kerr Bay Road, St Arnaud.
© Tamzin Henderson - www.nelsontasman.nzMore Things to Do in the Nelson Lakes National Park
That’s it for our guide to the best things to do in Nelson Lakes National Park; for more information about exploring this stunning alpine region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Things to Do in St Arnaud
- 10 Best Things to Do in Murchison
- Nelson Lakes National Park – Guide for Backpackers
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Nelson.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Nelson Tasman Official Tourism
- Nelson City Council (Local council website)
- Tasman District Council (Local council website)
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